"For the world, it was just another day, but for Panamanians, it was monumental," said former Panama Canal administrator, reflecting on the handover of the canal from the United States to Panama.
PANAMA CITY, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- It was a rainy day. On Dec. 30, 1999, the U.S. flag was lowered for the last time, replaced by Panama's flag. The transfer, made official on Dec. 31 under the Torrijos-Carter Treaties, marked the start of a new era for Panama.
"And then, after the transition, only the Panamanian flag, and a huge flag, went up," said Jorge Luis Quijano, former Panama Canal administrator from 2012 to 2019.
"For the world, it was just another day, but for Panamanians, it was monumental," he said.
With full control of the canal, Panama introduced police stations, courts, and civil law in the canal zone, with Panamanians replacing U.S. personnel in managing operations.
Under Panama's administration, significant efforts were made to expand the canal to accommodate modern shipping needs, especially as older locks struggled to handle larger vessels. The canal's expansion, completed in 2016, was pivotal in positioning Panama as a key player in global trade.
Today, the canal handles roughly 5 percent of global maritime trade, cementing Panama's role as a hub for logistics, trade and finance.
Panama's Colon Free Trade Zone is one of the largest in the Western Hemisphere. The country's Tocumen International Airport is a vital transit hub connecting the Americas. Panama City has also become a financial center for Latin America, hosting major banks from the Americas, Europe, and Asia.
The canal's importance transcends commerce. At the Panama Canal Museum, a restored flag torn during the 1964 "Flag Protests" reminds visitors of the sacrifices made for sovereignty. The inscription, "Who sows flags, reaps sovereignty," underscores its display.
"We belong to those patriots who do not want to be forgotten," said Joaquin Vasquez, a representative of the Canal Sentinel Association.
For Julio Yao, former foreign policy advisor and honorary president of the Center for Asian Strategic Studies of Panama, the nation's journey mirrors broader struggles in the Global South. Yao draws parallels with regions like Africa and the Middle East, noting that shared histories of domination and resilience shape their paths forward.
"That is a great awakening for a region that has been very impoverished, very dominated, very interfered with, and very manipulated. I think there is a reason to feel optimistic," Yao said.
"I believe very firmly in the Global South," Yao added. "It is the right path."■
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